Despite the Peruvian government's declaration of a State of Emergency, mass demonstrations against the controversial Tia Maria mining project continue and, in fact, have been increasing, as has the death toll from such protests. The State of Emergency in the province of Islay in southern Peru involves suspending freedom of assembly and movement and sending in tanks to the area. The Environmental Minister justified the State of Emergency as being in response to violence and protesters occupying the Pan American Highway despite a two-month suspension of the Tia Maria project. Rael Mora reports from Lima. teleSUR